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Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the lining or serious membranes of the body

The serious membranes protect the body’s major internal organs, such as the heart, lungs and abdomen, from the abrasion or friction caused by typical daily functions.

Malignant or cancerous mesothelioma starts as a localized tumor that can spread rapidly throughout surrounding tissues and organs. The development of this cancer takes years to build up and the detection of mesothelioma is usually already during its advanced stages.

Asbestos exposure is the most common cause associated with malignant mesothelioma. There are rare cases of mesothelioma with no known history of asbestos exposure.

There are four types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, biphasic mesothelioma and desmoplastic mesothelioma (a variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma). These are histological classifications based on the structure and shape of the cancer cells.

Epithelial cells have a well-defined and uniform shape. Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma, with 60% to 70% of cases belonging under this category. Epithelial mesothelioma usually affects the outer linings and membranes of the body's internal organs. Compared to the other types, epithelial mesothelioma relatively has better response to treatment.

Papillary mesothelioma, otherwise known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma, is an unusual variant of epithelial mesothelioma. This form of mesothelioma has low malignant potential and is not likely to spread throughout the other parts of the body. Papillary mesothelioma commonly develops in the peritoneum of women or the mesothelial lining of the abdominal cavity. There are also reported cases that occur in the tunica vaginalis of the males, pericardium, pleura and ovaries.

Majority of the cases of papillary mesothelioma have developed without any known asbestos exposure. There are some cases, however, that link to a history of asbestos exposure. This type often has a good prognosis; however, there are some cases of more aggressive nature.

Sarcomatoid cells have an irregular, elongated spindle shape and they usually overlap each other. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more aggressive compared to epithelial mesothelioma. It also has more resistance to treatment. This type is very dangerous as it can attack areas of the body that are painful and difficult to treat such as the bone, muscle, cartilage and fat. It is the least common, with 7% to 20% of cases falling under this category.

Biphasic mesothelioma is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Approximately 20% to 35% of cases fall under this type.

Desmoplastic mesothelioma is a variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It is most often very difficult to diagnose. The cells can be misdiagnosed as benign fibrous tissue since they have a very bland appearance.

The treatment of malignant mesothelioma is based on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumors.